Disrupting Toxic Behavior and More
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | May 26th, 2019
I was invited by a dear friend to attend an AARP Ohio Mother’s Day event titled Mothers Changing the Conversation about Aging. AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons. The main goal of AARP is to enhance the quality of life for all as we age. The keynote speaker for the event was Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq., AARP Mississippi State Director. The title of her talk was Disrupting Toxic Behavior, Attitudes and Relationships. Toxic means poisonous and anything toxic can affect our physical and mental health. To improve our quality of life, we need to remove anything that is harmful to our health.
There were three quotes from her speech that resonated with me:
“Learn to leave your issues in the altar; do not bring them back to the pew” –If you are a prayerful person, then truly leave your problems with God. Pray and move forward.
“Learn to know who requires a front row seat in your life.” – Sometimes the people that are toxic in your life are the people closest to you. You cannot get rid of family but you can distance yourself from those that do not have your best interest at heart.
“How many of your blessings did you bless someone” – When you serve others, you will find that you will benefit more than the people being served. Volunteerism is great for your health – physically and mentally.
It may not be easy to disrupt toxic behavior, attitudes and relationships, but you have to start somewhere. Maybe you can reflect on the above quotes.
FYI – National Moment of Remembrance will take place on Memorial Day, May 27th at 3:00 PM local time. Please pause and honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our freedom.
